How to Choose Recumbent Trike | Buyers Guide 2022
If comfort and fun is your main concern while riding outside, then a recumbent road bike/trike is just the right one for you. These specially designed road cycles not only ensure incredible comfort and superior fun but at the same time also give you the enjoyment of riding outdoors.
Now that you are tempted to buy these cycles, let’s discuss how to choose recumbent trike so that it would be easier for you to find just the right recumbent bike or trike for you.
How to Choose Recumbent Trike: Everything You Should Know
What Is Recumbent Road Bike or Recumbent Trike?
When we are talking about a outdoor recumbent road bike [or even a recumbent trike], we are actually talking about a bicycle that is based on a 100-year-old idea. It is a specially designed bike that features a unique laid-back recline seating position to provide the utmost comfort to the riders.
Because of this interesting laidback design, the weight of the rider is distributed all over the bike so that you get better support at the back and hips for an ache-free, super comfortable riding session.
Type of Recumbent Trike
Not all riders are the same, and so does their demand. Keeping in mind the different riders' different requirements and offering versatility, there are more than a few types of recumbent outdoor bikes available in the market. Some of the most prominent recumbent tricycles available in the market are:
Tadpole
The tadpole trikes feature a very unique and interesting design. With a pair of wheels at the front and one at the back, it is just the complete reverse of a regular trike. The pedals are placed at the very front so that riding it could never be more comfortable and convenient.
Delta
The delta trikes are just the opposite of tadpole tricycles. With a wheel at the front and two at the back, a delta trike is very similar to your regular trikes. Riders favor these cycles because of their conventional designs.
Features To Choose A Recumbent Trike
A recumbent bike or trike is not your regular road bike. There are more than a few factors that you must keep in mind before buying one for yourself. Let’s talk a bit about the features to consider so that you can end up purchasing the best one for your riding sessions.
Seat Type: High or Low
Recumbent trikes love to provide incredible versatility and convenience to its riders. And that’s why they offer two different seat options to their riders, high and low, to choose from according to their different needs.
If you want to enjoy the view while cycling your trike, then going for a high seat would be an excellent pick for you as it allows you to see the surroundings while riding.
On the other hand, when a view is not a priority but comfort and convenience is, pick a low seat tricycle. This sitting position will allow you to ride comfortably without any distractions.
Cushioned Handlebar
Cushioned handlebars are a great addition to any trike. These handles not only ensure superior comfort to your hands during long rides but at the same time also provide a secure grip. If you have cushioned, well-padded handlebars on your trike, it won’t matter how long you ride. Your palms will never feel any ache or uncomfortableness because of your riding sessions.
Frame material
The frame material of your recumbent trike has great importance. We are saying this because the frame not only determines the durability and strength of the cycle but, at the same time also ensures your safety.
Trikes frames are made from different types of materials. From steel to aluminum, titanium and carbon fiber, manufacturers offer a great range of options to choose from. You need to pick a lightweight yet strong frame and won’t break off easily in the middle of the ride.
Wheel Size
The size of the wheels of your trike matters a lot. This is because they not only determine the comfort level but at the same time also affect your riding style and the gearing options. How much weight the trike can hold or how close you are to the ground also depends on the size of the wheels. And that’s why you must choose the wheels of your trike wisely.
Even though there are trikes available in the market with smaller wheels, it’s the best option to get a cycle with 20-inch front wheels and 26 inch rear wheels to enjoy the best riding of your life.
Gearing Option
Excellent gearing options give you the freedom to practice versatile riding. With a handful of gear, you can pick just the right speed on your tricycle and ride your heart out on any tracks and terrains. And, that’s why, while selecting a recumbent tricycle for your adventures, make sure that it has more than a few gears so that you can enjoy your comfortable rides to the fullest.
Braking
Although a recumbent trike is extremely safe to ride, you still need to ensure your safety. And that’s why getting an excellent braking mechanism is a must. An excellent braking system like dual hydraulic brakes would make sure to stop the trike immediately so that you can avoid accidents or collisions effectively.
Incredible braking would not only ensure your safety but at the same time, would also protect the cycle and anything that comes in between your ride.
Design
A recumbent trike can feature different types of designs to meet the demand of its riders. Some of the most common designs that you will find are:
- Type 1: Long Wheelbase ( LWB)
As the name suggests, long-wheelbase recumbent bikes feature a longer body than the others. Because of this base, the cycle stretches your whole body comfortably and distributes your weight equally over the bike so that you can enjoy a softer yet effective riding session.
Also, as it has such a stretched-out base, this bike offers you plenty of space to carry luggage or other baggage whenever you need it.
- Type 2: Short Wheelbase ( SWB)
From the name, you can understand that a short wheelbase recumbent road bike doesn’t have a wheelbase as long as the long wheelbase. However, even though it has a smaller turning radius, it offers excellent maneuverability for a more controlled ride.
Moreover, because of the short wheelbase, the bike is overall small and can be stored in a smaller space effortlessly.
- Type 3: Compact Long Wheelbase
As the name says, a compact long wheelbase is a tricycle with a wheelbase that is slightly shorter than the long-wheelbase one yet provides similar riding experience as the long one. The main advantage of these tricycles is that they are more stable and steady but costs much less than the others.
Accessories
Even though some high-end recumbent trikes come fully equipped with all types of accessories you need, this is not the case with most tricycles. However, before buying, make sure that your trike comes with more than a few accessories including lights, fenders, lock, horn or bell, GPS to make your riding experience even more fun and safe as well.
Tadpole vs. Delta Trikes
Even though both the tadpole and delta are recumbent tricycles, they have quite a few differences in them. Let’s discuss these differences to understand better.
The main and most prominent difference between a tadpole and delta trike is in their design. While a tadpole has two wheels at the front and one at the back, the delta trike is completely opposite. This tricycle has a wheel at the front and two others at the back to support the cycle perfectly.
Another difference between these cycles is that tadpoles are much smaller, lighter and faster than the delta trikes. With these cycles, you will enjoy a sportier feel and ride with much ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Recumbent Trike Cost?
The price of a recumbent trike largely depends on its brand, model and features. The cycles with extraordinary features would cost more, while the ones with regular features would be inexpensive.
In general, it can cost you somewhere between $1500 to $5000. However, you will also find more expensive ones in the market.
What Is the Most Outstanding Thing About Three Wheel Recumbent Bikes?
The recumbent road cycle itself is an outstanding thing. Its laidback design and comfort feature match none of the bikes available in the market.
However, that’s not all to these cycles. To everybody’s great surprise, these road cycles are 30% faster than regular bikes and therefore, offer you more speed whenever needed.
Are Recumbent Road Bikes Great for Seniors?
Recumbent cycles are one of the most comfortable and safe rides for elderly riders out there. We are saying this because as this bicycle features a laid-back seat with front-placed pedals for comfortable riding, they don’t cause any stress or strain on your body. Therefore, it won’t hurt the body while riding, even for longer hours.
In addition to comfort, recumbent bikes are also easy to climb on. As they have a very low-profile design, a senior can get in and out extremely easily without hurting their weak joints.
Are Three Wheel Recumbent Bikes Safe?
Recumbent road bikes are not only for comfort- these incredible three-wheeled cycles are also extremely safe for riders, especially for seniors. As these cycles have three wheels for incredible balance and stability, there are zero possibilities that you would fall down and meet any unfortunate events.
Can You Get in Shape With a Recumbent Road Bike?
Even though a recumbent street bike is all about comfort, it doesn’t mean that it lacks other sectors. With your trike, you can enjoy an excellent cardio workout session to burn excess calories and get fit.
In fact, riding this interesting bike regularly will help you to lose weight rapidly and also assist you getting in shape to flaunt a fit and healthy physique.
Why Are Recumbent Trikes So Expensive?
Recumbent trikes are more expensive than some other bikes in the market. And there is a very strong reason why they cost more. Let’s explain.
The production cost of these cycles is super high. Moreover, their sales volume is also not as high as the others. And both these factors influence the final price greatly.
Is it possible to carry some gear on a recumbent road bike?
A recumbent trike is all about convenience. From offering incredible comfort to allowing you to install a few gears, this amazing bicycle will never cease to surprises you.
If you want to add some extra gears on your bikes like a rack or panniers or custom bags to increase carrying capacity, then you can do it easily. Just make sure your gears match the model of your ride.
How Do Recumbent Road Bikes Perform on Hills?
Recumbent road bikes are made for comfortable and convenient ridings. However, this doesn’t mean that you cannot ride hills with these 3-wheeled bikes. With this, you can ride easily on the mountain to practice versatile riding and have fun. However, for off-road ridings, you would need a comfortable gearing mechanism. With comfortable gearing, you can enjoy an easy, effortless hill spinning without any difficulties.
Do I Need Any Special Tools or Expertise to Ride a Recumbent Road Bike?
Recumbent road bikes are made for comfortable and convenient ridings. However, this doesn’t mean that you cannot ride hills with these 3-wheeled bikes. With a recumbent tricycle or bike, you can ride easily on the mountain to practice versatile riding and have fun. However, for off-road ridings, you would need a comfortable gearing mechanism. With comfortable gearing, you can enjoy an easy, effortless hill spinning without any difficulties.
Is It Possible to Store in a Small Space?
One thing you must understand is that recumbent bicycle are quite larger compared to regular road bicycles. And that’s why it is quite hard to store them in a small space. To store these bikes and trikes effortlessly, you have to have a bigger space like a garage or a storeroom.
Wrapping Up
Recumbent road bikes are incredible cycles that allow you to enjoy a comfortable yet safe riding session, which you cannot do with any regular bikes. Especially if you are a senior or have mobility issues, these cycles will prove to be a great vehicle to enjoy outdoor ridings without sacrificing the fun.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your the right recumbent bike/trike for you now.
